SUMMARY

The center of gravity has become one of today?s most popular military concepts despite the fact that its origins extend back to the early industrial-age. Clausewitz?s military center of gravity (CoG) and the CoG of the mechanical sciences share many of the same properties: neither is a strength or a source of strength, per se, but rather a focal point where physical (and psychological) forces come together. The U.S. military?s doctrinal publications?especially Joint Pub 3-0, Doctrine for Joint Operations, and Joint Pub 5-00.1, Joint Doctrine for Campaign Planning?shouldbe revised to reflect a more accurate definition of the CoG.